Crooked Bridge — Attraction in MZ Donja Mahala

Kriva Ćuprija, or the "Crooked Bridge," in Mostar is a charming historical landmark with a captivating story. Constructed in 1558 by the Ottoman architect Cejvan Kethoda, this stone bridge predates Mostar's more famous Stari Most (Old Bridge) by over 80 years. The bridge was designed to serve as a prototype for the larger Stari Most and to test the engineering techniques needed for such a significant project.

Kriva Ćuprija spans the Radobolja River, a small tributary of the Neretva River, and features a single arch. The bridge's name, which means "crooked," is derived from its slight curve. This curvature was intentional and served to test the bridge's structural integrity against the river's currents. It was crucial for understanding how such a design might perform when applied on a larger scale.

Despite its diminutive size compared to the Stari Most, Kriva Ćuprija has a certain elegance and historical significance. Its construction marked a pivotal moment in the development of bridge-building in the region. The success of this experiment likely influenced the eventual creation of the iconic Stari Most.

Today, Kriva Ćuprija is a picturesque spot, often overlooked by tourists drawn to Mostar's more famous attractions. Nonetheless, it offers a tranquil and historic atmosphere, surrounded by traditional architecture and cobblestone streets. Visitors can enjoy the bridge's serene setting and imagine its role in the evolution of Mostar's engineering heritage.

Although Kriva Ćuprija may not attract the same attention as the Stari Most, it stands as a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of its time and remains an essential piece of Mostar's rich...

This is another ancient bridge in Mostar, named the Kriva Cuprija (or the Crooked Bridge) that crosses the Rabobolja creek, a right-bank affluent of the Neretva River. The exact date of its construction and the name of its founder are not known.

Kriva cuprija is a stone one-arch bridge of small dimension and closely resembles the Stari Most (the Old Bridge). The bridge footpath and the approaching roads are paved with cobblestones, as is the case with the main roads in the town. Stone steps enable people to ascend to the bridge either side. The floods of December 2000 destroyed this bridge. A reconstruction project was initiated by UNESCO, financed by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. The project was completed in the year 2001.

Nearby the bridge is an old century mosque, ie the Nezir Agina Dzamija. From the Mostar old city, we need to cross the bridge to go to the mosque.

Alhmdulillah for the...

There is another ancient bridge besides the Stari Most in Mostar: the Kriva Cuprija (or the Crooked Bridge). It crosses the Rabobolja creek, a right-bank affluent of the Neretva River. Kriva cuprija is a stone one-arch bridge of small dimension and closely resembles the Stari Most.

The arch is a perfect semicircle. Built in 1558, eight years prior to the more famous Old Bridge, it is believed to have been built as a trial attempt for the following, more daring, construction. Destroyed in 2001 by the river flooding, it has recently...